American Gods: First look at Gillian Anderson as Marilyn Monroe

As American Gods takes San Diego Comic-Con by storm, Gillian Anderson is stirring up a breeze of a different kind. On Saturday, the X-Files actress tweeted a photo of herself in character as Media, a new god who thrives off attention and takes the form of various celebrities and pop culture icons, seen here manifesting as Marilyn Monroe. Anderson first teased the persona in June with an out-of-focus shot that zeroed in on her ruby-red nails. Now, she reveals a clear look at the bombshell’s signature waves and iconic white dress.

“Doesn’t mean I don’t love you!” Anderson, who is not at Comic-Con, writes. “Here’s a little more of this story.”

In the Neil Gaiman novel, Media’s most memorable appearance is as a foul-mouthed Lucille Ball. Gaiman has confirmed that the Starz adaptation will see Media take the guise of the famous redheaded comedian, but showrunners Bryan Fuller, who reteams with Anderson after working with her on Hannibal, and Michael Green are throwing at least one new manifestation into the mix.

Media isn’t the only character whose role in the TV series diverges from the novel. The producers tell EW that Laura (Emily Browning), wife of protagonist Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), will play a greater role. “It felt like we had been handed the baton of her character and could run,” says Fuller.